Southern Illinois was the spotlight of Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton's downstate tour on Thursday. The trip highlights her commitment to uplifting communities across the state, driven by her role as Chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council.
A stop in Murphysboro at Southern Illinois Airport with the Delta Regional Authority to announce $1.5 Million investment in Southern Illinois to expand an airport hangar, invest in infrastructure and improving water quality.
In Carbondale, Stratton met with the Black Chamber of Commerce for insightful conversation around promoting and sustaining black business.
She then learned about the innovative College Grant Apprenticeship Program at The Local 773 Training Center in Marion.
To round out the day, SI Now hosted the Delta Leadership Network Reception at The Pavilion event center in Marion. It was there where she met with local leaders like Mayor Mike Absher and State Senator Dale Fowler. She addressed the crowd to acknowledge the importance of local voices in downstate Illinois.
Lieutenant Governor Stratton continues her downstate tour today with stops in Metropolis and Vienna to deliver remarks at the One Shawnee Summit hosted by Vienna High School and to learn about Clyffe Cafe, a unique program providing vocational training for individuals with disabilities.